Depression and Weight IssuesHave you been diagnosed with depression, are possibly on depression medication, and find it affects your weight loss efforts? Post here for support!
I have an amazing husband who joined the Army to support our family in this hard economy. He's been gone since September 3rd and I won't be seeing him until at least December 17th. I'm trying to concentrate on losing weight after having my second child and I'm doing it for me. He thinks I'm beautiful the way I am but honestly I think that has been part of my problem for the last two years. Eventhough I have lost all my pregnancy weight, I was overweight when I got pregnant, especially since I gained 20lbs from being in a happy relationship. I want to lose so bad but my emotions are all over the place with him being gone and having a newborn and a 5 year old that just doesn't understand. I have good days, especially when I get his letters (since we can't talk on the phone as of yet); and then I have my bad days. I'm fighting a horrible depression, I'm putting on a smiley face for my kids and our family, but I'm really just depressed. It makes it so hard to lose when you find yourself at the pantry, not because your hungry, but because your emotional. Then there are the days I forget to eat and I know that doesn't help my metabolism either. It doesn't help that we are living with family and my car broke in August, I need a new one but I have to wait on people to take me to go look for a car that works and I have to rely on them to go anywhere really (grocery store, doc appts, etc). I've always been so independent and it just about kills me to rely on people. I miss my independence and I miss my husband, and I'm really unhappy with the way I look. I don't like what I see at all, and it needs to change. I really could use a friend that understands. Everyone I know just wouldn't understand or is too busy to care.
I hope you start feeling better soon. I suffer with depression too and it is really difficult to keep going sometimes. Just try to remember that you won't have to rely on other people forever. Think of how exciting it will be to see your hubby with a new figure. Your hubby is very brave to serve and you are very brave and strong to hold down the home while he is away. I don't know if this helps any but I hope it does.
I suffer from depression too and honestly, taking control of the things I can control has helped tremendously. I'm so sorry that your husband is away, I can imagine how much you must miss him but that's out of your hands for now so just try to release it. You can control how you take care of yourself and your kids so maybe try focusing on that. Make sure that you're eating well and getting some exercise when you can. I think it's ok to feel sad but don't let the sadness keep you from doing the things that will make you feel better. I keep this quote at my desk and it helps when I'm letting the sadness take over.
"Misery can brainwash you into thinking negatively, instead you must do the opposite and brainwash yourself with positivity".
You're very lucky to have a family you can rely on. It seems like there are some very good things in your life. Hang in there...you're not alone.
I have an amazing husband who joined the Army to support our family in this hard economy. He's been gone since September 3rd and I won't be seeing him until at least December 17th. I'm trying to concentrate on losing weight after having my second child and I'm doing it for me. He thinks I'm beautiful the way I am but honestly I think that has been part of my problem for the last two years. Eventhough I have lost all my pregnancy weight, I was overweight when I got pregnant, especially since I gained 20lbs from being in a happy relationship. I want to lose so bad but my emotions are all over the place with him being gone and having a newborn and a 5 year old that just doesn't understand. I have good days, especially when I get his letters (since we can't talk on the phone as of yet); and then I have my bad days. I'm fighting a horrible depression, I'm putting on a smiley face for my kids and our family, but I'm really just depressed. It makes it so hard to lose when you find yourself at the pantry, not because your hungry, but because your emotional. Then there are the days I forget to eat and I know that doesn't help my metabolism either. It doesn't help that we are living with family and my car broke in August, I need a new one but I have to wait on people to take me to go look for a car that works and I have to rely on them to go anywhere really (grocery store, doc appts, etc). I've always been so independent and it just about kills me to rely on people. I miss my independence and I miss my husband, and I'm really unhappy with the way I look. I don't like what I see at all, and it needs to change. I really could use a friend that understands. Everyone I know just wouldn't understand or is too busy to care.
I get teary reading your post.
Please keep you chin up and you will have your lighter/brighter day soon.
not sure when but it is coming.
I had hormonal problems caused me to go into depression and finally 7 months ago, my doctor recommended lexapro and I have been a different person. finally seeing result with diet and exercise.
do some counseling with friends and doctors... to find out what option is best for you and hang in there.
you are a proud Army wife, two babies Mom.
we are here for you!!!!
Tough love coming from one spouse of a service member to another. We are on our ninth deployment. I have a 7 year old and a 5 year old.
You are the only one that can help yourself. If you're depressed, go get help. Get on meds, talk to a therapist, whatever you need to do. If you need a vehicle start looking online. When you find one that interests you ask to borrow one of your family member's cars and go look at it. Instead of eating your feelings, how about a walk around the block a few times with your kids? Take them to a park?
I know separations are not fun, they're certainly not easy but the most important thing I've found is that they are a time to prove to yourself that you are strong and capable. You say you're usually independent. EMBRACE THAT and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It sounds like you know what you need to do, so do it. I know you miss your husband but you have to keep on living life. You can't put everything on pause while he's gone. Your kids deserve a mom that's not faking it.
Last edited by Lambiechop; 10-11-2012 at 05:30 PM.
Tough love coming from one spouse of a service member to another. We are on our ninth deployment. I have a 7 year old and a 5 year old.
You are the only one that can help yourself. If you're depressed, go get help. Get on meds, talk to a therapist, whatever you need to do. If you need a vehicle start looking online. When you find one that interests you ask to borrow one of your family member's cars and go look at it. Instead of eating your feelings, how about a walk around the block a few times with your kids? Take them to a park?
I know separations are not fun, they're certainly not easy but the most important thing I've found is that they are a time to prove to yourself that you are strong and capable. You say you're usually independent. EMBRACE THAT and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It sounds like you know what you need to do, so do it. I know you miss your husband but you have to keep on living life. You can't put everything on pause while he's gone. Your kids deserve a mom that's not faking it.
I actually do, do all of those things. I take my kids for a walk just about everyday. I have been looking for a vehicle online. As far as going to get help for depression it's not that easy. First, I don't get insurance until next month, and second, I've been there and done that and you know what, it didn't help. I just wanted to vent and have someone to talk to who actually understands what I'm going through, I don't want to get on drugs to try and fix my "problem". I don't feel sorry for myself, I've been through more trauma in my short life span than some people have to go through their whole life. I know I'm strong and I know I will get through this, but everyone is entitled to having a bad day and vent and want to talk to someone who knows what they are going through, instead of a therapist.
Sorry but when you say you're fighting a "horrible depression" it doesn't seem like you're just having a bad day. And I never said you had a problem. Yes, I mentioned meds or a therapist but I also said to do whatever you need to do. And as far as insurance goes your husband should have filled out paperwork to get you and your kids enrolled in DEERS and to get you a military ID the first week he was there. And if you're looking for someone who knows what you're going through I found other women online whose husband's were in Basic Training the same time as mine.
Sorry if I thought incorrectly that you're feeling sorry for yourself. That was sort of the vibe from your whole post. And if meds and a therapist didn't work before then maybe there's something else you can try. No one should have to "put on a smiley face for their kids and family" while they're "really just depressed".
Ladies i cannot imagine what it must be like to be struggling through depression and weight issues without the man you love by your side. I take my hat off to you both and any other service wives. I have a wonderful husband by my side and still I struggle with the Black Dog of depression.
Please take care of yourselves and don't be afraid to ask people for help however much it galls you. You will find that they are desperate to do a little bit to help and are glad to support you whilst your husbands are away.
Take care
God Bless
Donna
Trying to Lose for Me but Missing Him...
I hope you start feeling better soon. I suffer with depression too and it is really difficult to keep going sometimes. Just try to remember that you won't have to rely on other people forever. Think of how exciting it will be to see your hubby with a new figure. Your hubby is very brave to serve and you are very brave and strong to hold down the home while he is away. I don't know if this helps any but I hope it does. 
